Hendon and Lambeth Video Wall Replacement

This paper concerns the replacement of the existing Video Walls at the Met Communication Command (CC) centres in Lambeth and Hendon. The Video Walls are used in the Special Operations room to view CCTV footage and are an integral part of policing any major event. The equipment is now over ten years old and is obsolete and no longer supported by the manufacturer. Failure of the screens during an operation presents significant organisational risk. This paper requests £2,279,000 to replace the existing screens and supporting infrastructure.

That the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (DMPC)

1. Approves capital spend (£2,279,000) to be funded from the Information Management Futures programme.
2. Agree to utilise the existing MPS Electronic Security and Control Room Framework Agreement and award a contract to Cinos.
3. Note that £2,000,000 should be put as a placeholder in the capital plan for a further refresh in 2019/20.

Introduction and background

The Special Operations Rooms (SOR) at Met CC Lambeth and Hendon have a number of video walls which are integral part of policing any major event. The existing video wall equipment was installed in 2006. The equipment is now over ten years, obsolete and no longer supported by the manufacturer.

Issues for consideration

Failure of the screens during an operation presents significant organisational risk, which has happened at a number of major events. The SOR is an essential part of the MPS ability to manage major incidents and large scale police operations around crime enquiry.

The proposal also considered collaborative procurement approaches with other members of the GLA Family. However, there are similar frameworks but none met the specific requirements of this proposal. At the time of letting in 2014 the strategy was to let a framework of four lots specifically for the MPS, this contract being from one of those lots. The strategy that the MPS currently has and will adopt in the renewal of this framework in 2017 is that we let contracts/frameworks to include other public sector potential users such as Police or GLA Family – within the confines of the EU legislation.

Financial Comments

The replacement of the Video Walls requires up to £2,279,000 in capital spend. This will be funded from the Information Management Futures programme in the approved Capital Plan.

The support costs will be funded from the MPS 2016/17 revenue budget.

It is also recommended that £2.0m is put into the Capital Plan for 2019/20 for a further refresh.

Legal Comments

The recommendation can be lawfully approved in accordance with MOPAC Contract Regulations and EU/UK Procurement law.

In accordance with the MOPAC Scheme of Delegation and Consent (4.13), the DMPC must approve all requests to go out to tender for contracts that exceed £500,000. Also under 4.8 approval is required for all business cases of £500,000 and above.

Equality Comments

There are no equality and diversity implications as a result of this technology refresh.